Published on Apr, 2024
This river tour with a BBQ dinner cooked by Monkey Boy was an unexpected highlight. It was a last minute arrangement and Monkey Boy took an hour to get everything ready for this trip and came back to pick us up by car. We were amazed at how little he brought with him (a chilly bin and a bag) yet hidden inside were the most delicious yet simple ingredients. We met Captain Jack at his boat and set off for the sunset. The brilliant pink hue of the sun setting above the Cai river was a once in a lifetime experience. Seeing the local houses and restaurants along the riverside and watching locals get about their daily lives was fascinating. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, Monkey Boy offered us a beer and began the BBQ on a simple clay pot containing hot charcoals. Watching King prawns, lemongrass chicken and pork skewers being cooked was a very humbling experience. Monkey boys special sauces were the icing on top of these dishes. Accompanied baguettes to make our very own banh mi style rolls left us feeling very satiated. Finally out came the most ripe juicy delicious mango.... the gentle put put back to the land was serene. We felt very safe in the capable hands of captain Jack at the helm, along with the local knowledge imparted to us by Moneky Boy, this has been an outstanding memorable tour for us. I cannot recommend this enough. I hope you get the opportunity to do this on such a beautiful evening.